Ames show (Page 1 of 2)

I've known Joe's reputation for awhile, mostly through frequent mentions in guitar magazines, but had no idea what I was missing until I stumbled across the RAH concert on a PBS broadcast last December.  Instant fan after that, of course, to the point that I bought an Epiphone JB Goldtop guitar...and I've always been a Fender guy!

I have attended many, many concerts in my life, usually with high expectations (I'm picky about going to live shows, so if I'm going it is usually to see someone I'm a big fan of already), but I can only remember three or four where the concert far exceeded those high expectations.  Tonight in Ames was one of those.  Except for the occasional idiot shouting/whistling while Joe was playing a quieter passage, it was two and a half hours of pure joy...

It was certainly one of the most honest concerts I've been to in years...just four guys all about the music, without all the projection screens, flamethrowers, and other modern trappings.  Joe never left the stage during the main set, and was only offstage briefly before the encore.  In that entire time prior to the encore (18 songs by my count), he never so much as took a sip of water that I saw.  Amazing voice...

I had intended to keep track of the set list/guitars used to report here, but about halfway through "If Heartaches Were Nickels" I was enjoying myself so much that I put my notes away so I could concentrate on the experience itself.  Sorry.  Maybe someone else will post it (someone with the band, perhaps?), but I can tell you the the new stuff from "Dust Bowl" is killer.  The intro to "Django" was also a highlight for me; Joe played some strange but beautiful stuff there...very moving.

If this tour comes anywhere near where you live, do yourself a favor and don't miss it.  Joe told the audience tonight that this was his first visit to Ames, but that it wouldn't be his last.  I hope that is the case.  If he comes anywhere within driving distance of me again, I'll be there unless I'm in a coma or six feet under...   

A warm welcome from me, and to the house of Joe, Linmic. Have you explored Joe's full discography yet ?

I attended my 1st Joe show last nite. I have Bonamassized. Cy Stevens is an awesome place to hear a master at work. My son took me to show, the simplicity of the show was incredible. I could not believe the presentation of so many guitar's and cool light show. I agree the acoustic set stole the show. His presentation and endurance of each instrument was awesome. My son plays acoustic in 2 bands and was amazed at his talent. His voice was clear and not even a break to moisten! wow! The black box was cool - something different I had never heard of. The idiot yelling was a couple rows behind us sucked...stay home next time moron. Great show,     Joe and crew....I will see you again...thanks!

As I mentioned earlier, I had planned on keeping track, but got caught up in the music early on and stopped taking notes.  Now, a little less than 24 hours later, there are still so many highlights swirling in my memory that there's no way to recall precisely.  Near as I can tell, though, last night was virtually identical to the Sioux Falls set list (http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn38 … G_5690.jpg) from a couple of nights earlier.  I do remember "Django" being near the end, but other than that...

Perhaps some of the more seasoned Bonamaniacs who were there last night can fill us in...   

Welcome to all of you. Thanks for your first person impressions! This is exactly what we crave and savor, and do you know what? The next time will be even better! 
Rick

Not yet, but I plan to get started on that over the next few weeks.  Right now the only one I have is the Live from Royal Albert Hall Cd.  I can't wait to hear the others.

Okay, there's lots of albums to choose from (TBOJH and LFNIP would be good starters) but let me put in a word for Joe's A New Day Yesterday, Live DVD (available through the store) ... it's an electrifying stage performance by a younger Joe (10 years ago) that one has to see to appreciate how long the guy has truly been rocking! 

The name of the song is "You Better Watch Yourself". It will be on "Dust Bowl".